If you are a new homeowner, there are many things you will need to do to maintain your home inside and out. Here are a few things you can do to get your home's exterior ready for winter.
Prepare the Gutters
While dead leaves and other debris in your gutters can look unsightly, there are bigger issues with clogged gutters. If your gutters cannot drain effectively, they can overflow and send water down the side of your house. This issue can cause puddles near your foundation and possibly water damage on the siding. With the help of a family member, use a ladder to reach your gutters and clear out the debris.
Besides getting rid of debris, you may want to install gutter guards for the winter. Ice dams can build up at low points in the gutters and can damage roof fascia, fasteners, and downspouts if they build up.
Seal up Windows and Doors
Check the outside of your house for any cracks and holes that need re-caulking or weather-stripping. A properly insulated house will help your heating bills from skyrocketing. Proper insulation will also prevent water damage on window sills and door trim.
Clean the Siding
If your house's siding has debris, like mold or mildew stains, you should clean it off before winter. You may be tempted to clean your siding with a pressure washer, but this can damage some materials, like vinyl. If you want to clean vinyl siding, go to a home improvement store and pick up a product that is specifically made for vinyl. Other materials may work just fine with a pressure washer as long as it is on the lowest setting. Contact a home exterior service for more help.
Contact an Exterior Restoration Company to Fix Any Brickwork
If you have brickwork on your home, it can take a heavy hit during the winter. Newer brick walls often contain excess moisture. When this moisture evaporates, it causes efflorescence, or a white powdery look on the mason work. A service can help you remove these powdery stains before and after winter.
Brickwork is also vulnerable to frost damage. While bricks can absorb a certain amount of moisture, too much water from ice and snow can cause the mortar joints and bricks to expand, crumble, and split. An exterior restoration company can seal the brickwork with waterproofing membranes. When you clean out your gutters, check the rest of your drainage system to make sure water isn't going to settle on the brickwork.
These tips can keep your home's exterior safe throughout the wintertime. If there is damage after the winter season that needs fixing, contact a company for home exterior services.
